How To Improve Your Note-Taking in Meetings

Have you ever found yourself frantically scribbling across your notebooks in an effort to write down every single word in a meeting? We’re here to tell you we’ve got the top tricks for better note-taking. 

Effective note-taking in meetings is an essential skill that can make all the difference when it’s done properly. From training sessions to board meetings, there are very few business meetings that don’t require some form of note-taking. Ready to brush up on your skills? Let’s do it.

Why is note-taking important?

Every meeting has a purpose, whether that’s to brainstorm new ideas, discuss business strategy or create a campaign calendar. No matter how great your memory is, you can’t rely on it to effectively take action post-meeting. Note-taking is vital to ensure all key ideas are written down and everyone has a clear idea of what their next steps are once they leave the meeting room. 

RELATED: 5 reasons why face-to-face meetings are still important

The first step to effective note-taking is ensuring you are set up in the right environment. Having a professional meeting room ensures you and your team can feel productive with the right collaboration tools that encourage engagement and creative ideas. Once you’ve found the right space to suit your business requirements, you can hone in on your note-taking skills with our top tips. 

Top tips to improve your note-taking

1. Go old school with pen and paper

It’s a common misconception that taking notes on your laptop is far easier but studies have shown that using a pen and paper actually helps us to retain information better; making for a better note-taking medium. It’s time to ditch the digital devices and practise your note-taking by hand, which also provides a bit more freedom in revising notes and adding to previous notes. 

2. Don’t try to write everything down 

You might be tempted to try and capture every word in the meeting, however, don’t forget that meetings can often be very conversational and a chance to bounce ideas around. If you’re trying to write everything down, chances are you’ll miss something important whilst trying to catch up on filler conversation. Instead, try making notes of keywords that stand out and once you’ve had an opportunity to digest the conversation, add to your keywords with further useful information. 

3. Assign a dedicated note taker 

Rather than everyone in the meeting attempting to take detailed notes, try assigning a dedicated note-taker instead. This allows everyone to be more engaged in the conversation and the note taker can share notes and action points post-meeting. It will enable more productivity and better idea creation as everyone is more engaged in the meeting. 

4. Choose a note-taking method that works for you

Just as we all have different styles of learning, we all have different ways of taking notes. There are a variety of note-taking methods out there, so it’s important to find which one works best for you, your role and your personal learning style. Some of the most popular note-taking methods are:

• Outline method. This method requires a meeting ‘leader’ to distribute an agenda. The agenda then acts as a guideline for your notes. This allows the meeting to follow a clear path as well as provide a great outline that drives your notes; as the meeting progresses, you take notes under each action item. 
• Quadrant method. Start by separating your notes into four sections - or quadrants. You will then label each quadrant with general notes, action items for self, action items for other team members and questions. All key points or important details sit in general whilst the other sections are for those items. 
• Mind mapping method. This method is great for those who prefer a more visual learning process. Simply make a mind map during the meeting working from the centre of your notes page with the main topic of discussion, working outwards with key points and details, allowing you to add diagrams and arrows whenever you have a new idea or action point. 
• Cornell method. Developed by Cornell University in the 1950s, this is the most popular note-taking method, which also works by separating your page into specific columns. Each column has a different purpose which helps keep your notes clear and organised. Keep reading to find out how to use the Cornell note-taking method.

What is the Cornell note-taking method?

Separate your page into columns, a small column on the left that takes up around 30% of the page and the right side takes up the remaining 70%. The left column will be called the ‘cue’ column and is where you will jot down key points, people and questions. The right column is then your note-taking area which drills down into the detail of the key points from the left column. Naturally, it allows you to take key ideas quickly on the left, digest the information, and then unpack necessary details on the right. You will then include a summary section at the bottom of your page to round up the information in a few sentences. 

Don’t forget to share your notes with your teammates or relevant people in the meeting. This ensures that everyone can stay on top of their responsibilities post-meeting and can join the next team meeting better prepared. Now that you’ve got the tools to take better notes, don’t forget to search through our selection of professional, fully equipped meeting rooms that can boost productivity and inspire fresh ideas.